An essential item for ANY outdoor outing and certainly in every Survival Kit and Bug Out Bag is a good quality Poncho.  There is nothing more miserable (and dangerous) than getting soaked by rain. There are 100’s of different ponchos to choose from. I prefer a Military Style Poncho with grommeted corners and snap closure sides. These are typically constructed of a nice quality rip-stop nylon material that not only makes them water proof but very durable.

I like for items in my pack to be multi-use items – meaning they can be used for more than 1 purpose. My Poncho is no exception.  Besides protecting me from rain, I can also use my Poncho as a Ground Tarp to act as a moisture barrier.  I can also use it as a tarp to protect my gear or to keep a wood pile dry.  It can also be used as a make-shift shelter, which is the subject of this post.  I’ve slept in a make-shift poncho shelter many times and if set up properly it will keep you as dry and comfortable as any tent on the market.

 

Below I have detailed 9 Different Military Poncho Set-Ups that can be used for multiple scenarios.  I’ve listed when each one works best and when it doesn’t.  I’ve listed the supplies needed for each one and also the knots I use to set them up.  Hopefully you find this useful.  Let me know if you have any questions.

Military Poncho Shelter # 1:  Basic Lean-To (HORIZONTAL)

• Supplies Needed: Paracord, 3 Stakes
• Uses: Sleeping, Rain-Shed, Sun-Shed
• Ideal Environment: No to Moderate Wind, No to Moderate Rain
• Fire Friendly: YES
• Knots Used: Double Half Hitch, Siberian Hitch, Quick Release Taught Line Hitch

Military Poncho Shelter # 2:  Basic Lean-To (VERTICAL)

• Supplies Needed: Paracord, 2 Stakes
• Uses: Sleeping, Rain-Shed, Sun-Shed
• Ideal Environment:  Low Wind, No Rain
• Fire Friendly: YES
• Knots Used: Double Half Hitch, Siberian Hitch, Quick Release Taught Line Hitch

Military Poncho Shelter # 3: Ridge Line Lean-To

• Supplies Needed: Paracord, 5 Stakes
• Uses: Sleeping, Rain-Shed, Sun-Shed
• Ideal Environment: No to Heavy Wind, No to Heavy Rain
• Fire Friendly: YES
• Knots Used: Double Half Hitch, Siberian Hitch, Quick Release Taught Line Hitch

Military Poncho Shelter # 4:  Flat Roof Lean-To

• Supplies Needed: Paracord, 3 Stakes, Center Pole (optional)
• Uses: Sleeping, Sun-Shed
• Ideal Environment: No to Moderate Wind, No Rain
• Fire Friendly: YES
• Knots Used: Double Half Hitch, Siberian Hitch, Quick Release Taught Line Hitch

Military Poncho Shelter # 5:  Ghost Man

• Supplies Needed: Paracord, 4 Stakes, Center Pole
• Uses: Rain-Shed, Sun-Shed, Hunting Blind
• Ideal Environment: No to Moderate Wind, No to Moderate Rain
• Fire Friendly: YES (small)
• Knots Used: Double Half Hitch, Siberian Hitch, Quick Release Taught Line Hitch

Military Poncho Shelter # 6:  Hood Hoist

• Supplies Needed: Paracord, 4 Stakes,  2 Poles (Optional)
• Uses: Rain-Shed, Sun-Shed, Hunting Blind, Sleeping (When set-up low and long)
• Ideal Environment: No to Moderate Wind, No to Moderate Rain, High Wind & High Rain (Low & Long)
• Fire Friendly: YES (small – when set-up high), NO when set up low
• Knots Used: Double Half Hitch, Siberian Hitch, Quick Release Taught Line Hitch

Military Poncho Shelter # 7:  Poncho Tent

• Supplies Needed: Paracord, 4 Stakes
• Uses: Rain-Shed, Sun-Shed, Sleeping
• Ideal Environment: No to High Wind, No to High Rain, Works well in COLD temps
• Fire Friendly: YES (small out front)
• Knots Used: Double Half Hitch, Siberian Hitch, Quick Release Taught Line Hitch

Military Poncho Shelter # 8 & 9: Connecting 2 Ponchos By Snapping Them Together – using 1 as a ground tarp

• Supplies Needed: Paracord, Stakes
• Uses: Rain-Shed, Sun-Shed,Sleeping
• Ideal Environment: No to High Wind, No to High Rain
• Fire Friendly: YES
• Knots Used: Double Half Hitch, Siberian Hitch, Quick Release Taught Line Hitch

Below is a Basic Lean-To Set-Up that I use quite often in fair weather.  I use a tarp to keep ground moisture at bay and a wool blanket for warmth.  The Poncho Shelter acts as an excellent heat shield to deflect heat right on the sleeping area from a fire out front .

 

POST UPDATE:  Below is a 10th Poncho Shelter Option I call the DIAGONAL.  It involved tying off one corner to a tree and staking the opposite corner to the ground.  The 2 remaining corners can either be staked or guy-lined out for added room.  This is a great shelter set as well.

If you are using any of these shelters and are expecting rain you will want to tie a knot with paracord around the hood to prevent water from leaking inside.

As always I would love to get your thoughts on these. Let me know if there are any questions. Or if you have any additional ideas – post them in a comment below!